“They’re not mixed up in any of that,” he said too quickly. “But I could maybe float the topic…”
I shook my head. “No. Don’t. If you went fishing on purpose and we used what you got, it might blow back on you.”
His brows shot up. “We?”
“I have a friend helping me.”
Bobby took a step back, fear filling his eyes. “You told them about me?”
“Absolutely not.” I kept my voice steady, even as my stomach tightened. “I swore to you I would never reveal who you were, and I mean it. I’ll take your name to my grave.”
He grimaced. “God, I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“Me too, but I swore to keep your identity a secret, and I take that seriously.”
Even as I said the words, guilt gnawed at me. James could see exactly who I was talking to. It would take him and Carter less than an hour to find out Bobby’s identity, and that was being generous.
The truth was, I’d led James to Bobby. I didn’t think James would do anything to Bobby or even tell anyone else about him, but I hadn’t been careful. What if someone else had followed us here and was watching me now?
I must have done a good job of hiding my inner turmoil, because relief washed over Bobby’s face. “I know you take it seriously. It’s just… I spent the last six or seven months thinking you weren’t who you said you were. Especially when you didn’t come back after all that shit went down. I mean, I knew you’d left the police, but I thought we were friends.”
“I did stay away.” I swallowed. “But it was because I was embarrassed and ashamed about what happened. I was public enemy number one. I wasn’t going anywhere in public.”
His mouth shifted to the side. “I guess that makes sense.” Sadness filled his eyes. “It still sucked.”
“I know. And I should’ve come by and told you my side of the story. I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “No, you were dealing with other shit. And it sounds like you’re in even worse trouble if there’s a bounty on your head.”
I grabbed a slip of paper out of my jacket pocket and placed it on the counter. “If you see or hear anything you think might help me, will you call or text me at this number?”
He picked up the paper—a corner torn off the hotel stationery with my burner number scrawled across it. “I’m not sure I’ll hear anything, especially if I’m not asking any questions.”
“Definitely don’t ask questions.” I kept my voice firm. “I want you to have as much distance from this as possible. And don’t worry. I have a few other people to talk to.”
He tucked the paper into his pocket. “Be careful, Harper. It sounds like you’re in the middle of something really dangerous.”
I grinned. “Dangerous is my real last name.”
He laughed. A couple of years ago, he’d told me I was the least aggressive cop he’d ever met, and I’d told him that was because he wasn’t a threat. Any threat I faced would see a different side of me. After that, he’d started calling me Miss Dangerous.
His laughter faded. “Seriously, Harper. Be careful.”
“I intend to.”
Chapter 8
I took another sip of my club soda, then slid off my stool and headed to the entrance, never once looking directly at James. But out of the corner of my eye, I saw him nursing a bottle of beer at the bar.
Outside, I stopped in front of the building next door, a retail shop that was closed for the night, fighting the urge to pace. I worried James would come out too soon and that Bobby would realize we were together. But a good five minutes passed before he finally emerged, his gaze sweeping right to left as he searched for me.
I stepped away from the corner of the building but stayed in front of the retail store in case the bar had cameras.
He strode over. “Find out anything?”
“Nothing helpful. He’s heard rumors of trafficking but nothing of any use. And he’s never heard of the Knoxes.”
His brow shot up. “You told him about the Knoxes?”
